Challenge to cycle distance of 2018 Tour de Yorkshire

Monday, 16 April 2018

Colleagues and members at Scarborough Sports Village will join forces with Scarborough Borough Council staff later this month to try to replicate the challenging route of this year's Tour de Yorkshire without having to take to the tarmac!

On Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 April, participants will attempt to cycle 704.5km, the total distance of the Tour de Yorkshire men's race. For added authenticity, those taking part will be encouraged to replicate some of the sprints and King of the Mountain climbs of this year's Tour de Yorkshire route.

Percy the Pilot and Polly the Paramedic, mascots representing Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which is the official charity of the 2018 Tour de Yorkshire, will join in with the fun on the first morning of the challenge.

Four studio bikes will be available during the two days and people are invited to sign up for either a 30 minutes or 60 minutes session, with the aim of clocking up as many kilometres as possible during that time. The challenge will run between 8.15am and 7.15pm on the Wednesday and between 10.45am and 9.45pm on the Thursday. Individual distances will be added together so that it becomes a team effort to achieve the total distance.

The challenge is open to members of Scarborough Sports Village and also non-members, provided that they are of a reasonable level of fitness and are comfortable with riding an indoor studio bike. Cycling related prizes (bike tool kit and bike helmet) will be awarded to the person that achieves the longest distance and the longest climb. Participants are encouraged to wear light blue and/or yellow clothing or accessories if they are able, to reflect the official colours of the Tour de Yorkshire.

Anyone interested in taking part can sign up for their preferred session in person at the reception at Scarborough Sports Village on Ashburn Road, or call 01723 377500. Due to the one off nature of the challenge, booking will not be possible through the Everyone Active member's app.

The sessions are free, but participants and anyone spectating will be encouraged to make a charitable donation. The total amount donated during the challenge will be equally divided between Yorkshire Air Ambulance and St Catherine's Hospice, which is Scarborough Sports Village's current chosen charity.

"We are delighted to partner with Scarborough Borough Council to deliver the cycling challenge at Scarborough Sports Village. We are committed to encouraging the local community to lead healthier and more active lifestyles, and I would encourage everyone who is looking to get active to come down to the centre and take part; it's sure to be a lot of fun!"

"With Scarborough Sports Village only opening last summer, we were really keen to get the centre involved in the spirit of this year's Tour de Yorkshire. As well as being a fun event to get involved in and build up excitement ahead of the race coming to Scarborough and Filey on 5 May, it's a great way to inspire people to be part of a team effort and set themselves a personal fitness challenge at the same time."

The four stages of the Tour de Yorkshire will take place from 3 to 6 May. Stage Three on Saturday 5 May will go through Filey and a number of villages in the central and southern parts of the borough before the now legendary race to the finish line along Scarborough North Bay.